The Dallas Cowboys are being loud and clear with rising OL Brock Hoffman with recent free agency signing

Life in the NFL isn't easy, specially if you're a former undrafted free agent. Dallas Cowboys right guard Brock Hoffman has learned that every year since his arrival to the pros in 2022. That hasn't stopped him from carving out a role on the roster.

But just in case, he’s getting a reinforcement lesson in 2025 and a recent free agent signing just took things a step further. 

Despite Hoffman’s strong play filling in for an injured Zack Martin last year, he will have to fight to keep the starting gig. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer made that clear at the NFL annual meeting in Florida when he emphasized he wants competition at every position and seemed open to the idea of moving Cooper Beebe from center to guard.

Hoffman was already set to face fierce competition at guard before free agency, with teammate T.J. Bass improving every year and potentially being one strong training camp away from stealing a starting spot. But now, Hoffman is also fighting two newcomers.

Factoring in their recent free agent signings, the Cowboys are sending a clear and loud message to their rising offensive lineman: Competition will exist on the interior of the offensive line .

The Cowboys signed veteran offensive lineman Rob Jones in March and now, it’s OL Saahdiq Charles joining the team as a free agent. 

While Jones is mostly perceived as a veteran presence that can be solid depth when called upon, Charles is a fascinating addition. Though he is technically coming out of retirement, he’s only 25 years old and just last year was expected to start for the Tennessee Titans entering training camp. 

The retirement was as shocking as it was mysterious, as "personal reasons" was all the details that emerged. Titans head coach Brian Callahan said last year Charles didn't have an event but that football wasn't for him anymore. 

Something changed between then and now and the former fourth-rounder is someone that's poised to compete with Hoffman and Co. 

Additionally, it's the Cowboys. You can't rule out a first-round pick being invested on the offensive line. The front office has made it clear time and time again its willing to take that route early in the NFL Draft. Though not the expected choice this year, all it takes is the right name being on the board at No. 12 overall. 

But regardless of what their pick ends up being, the message for Hoffman is clear. If he's pick up where he left off and get the start in September, he'll have to earn it all over again.